Storylines: Sandoval, Giants far apart in extension talks

San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval hits a two-run home run in the seventh inning of Game 4 of the National League division baseball series against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

In this MLB News and Notes segment, I will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. I also will try to tweet news and rumors as I see them, so feel free to follow me on Twitter: @AndrewIBI.

Here are the stories from Monday, April 7th.

Top Stories:

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reported that Pablo Sandoval and the Giants remain far apart in their discussions on a possible extension for the pending free agent. The third baseman is asking for a five-year contract to forego the right to hit the open market.

The White Sox have reached an agreement on a minor league deal with right-hander Tommy Hanson, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Tribe News:

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the Indians were trying to extend Jason Kipnis for the past two years, but Kipnis and agent Dan Horwits of the Beverly Hills Sports Council rejected offers in the $15 million range (following Kipnis' two-month debut in 2011) and $24 million range (prior to the 2013 season).

The Orioles acquired right-hander Preston Guilmet from the Indians in exchange for infielder Torsten Boss, both teams announced. In order to clear room for Guilmet on their 40-man roster, the Orioles transferredNolan Reimold from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Guilmet, who had been designated for assignment by the Indians at the end of Spring Training, was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com wrote that center fielder Michael Bourn had his Minor League rehab game with Triple-A Columbus rained out Monday. Terry Francona said Bourn will likely need between two to four rehab games before potentially rejoining Cleveland during its upcoming road trip through Chicago and Detroit.

Designated hitter and pinch hitter Jason Giambi is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on April 14. According to Bastian, If Giambi continues to progress well, Francona said Cleveland will probably schedule a couple of Minor League rehab games for the veteran with the idea of aligning with his activation date.

News and Notes:

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wrote that Scott Boras has been telling tems that he could soon land a deal for Kendrys Morales. However, some of the interested parties are debating between signing him and free agent Stephen Drew now or waiting until after the June draft. Rosenthal pointed out that this could potentially save a club multiple picks, as the signing team wouldn't have to surrender a 2015 draft pick, and if they offer a multi-year deal, they won't have to forfeit a 2016 pick to fill the hole on the free agent market next offseason.

Rosenthal also noted that the main hangup in extension talks between the Dodgers and Hanley Ramirezisn't the average annual value but rather the length of the contract. Ramirez is likely to receive an average annual value in the $22-25 million range, but the length of the contract is a concern for the Dodgers given Ramirez's lengthy injury history.

Surgery remains an option for Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun as he battles nerve damage in his right thumb, but general manager Doug Melvin told Rosenthal that going under the knife wouldn't even guarantee that the damage could be repaired. For the time being, Melvin said the team "is not overly concerned" about Braun's injury.

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported that he doesn't get the sense that the Mets are all that interested inJoel Hanrahan, Ryan Madson or any other free agent closers (i.e. Kevin Gregg). Likewise, Matt Ehalt of the North Jersey Record heard from a source that the Mets' plan is to look at internal options for help at this time.

According to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News, Joel Hanrahan is among the few intriguing relief arms still available, and the righty is preparing for a showcase in a few weeks.

The Twins acquired infielder Eduardo Nunez from the Yankees in exchange for left-hander Miguel Sulbaran, according to Twins director of baseball communications Dustin Morse.

Free agent catcher Chris Gimenez, recently of the Rangers, has standing offers from three teams, according to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com. The Rays, Athletics, and Rangers have all made offers, says Cotillo, while the Cubs also have interest.

Infielder Ryan Roberts agreed to a Major League contract with the Red Sox, according to Roberts' agents at the Beverly Hills Sports Council.

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